Named after its creator, B.K.S Iyengar, Iyengar yoga is a variety that has become famous for the use of belts and blocks in the performance of postures. Though based on the Ashtanga yoga, or the eight-limbed yoga, this trend relies on the improvement of the body condition as a support for meditation and concentration techniques. Mental and physical health are the primary goals of the practice of the various asanas (postures) specific to Iyengar yoga; the body, the spirit and the mind are all united in the final achievement of yoga mastery. Though having lots of things in common with Hatha yoga for instance, Iyengar yoga is characterized by some particular details that are absent from other systems.
The presence of props is the most important element of uniqueness in Iyengar yoga: there are benches, cushions, straps, sand bags and others, so as to allow any practitioner to correctly perform the postures. Such items usually serve well for beginners who have difficulties at achieving the correct asanas from the first time; it has been claimed that postures can be truly mastered after years of practice. Moreover, such props are a true help for people who suffer from a chronic injury or who are too tired to complete all the sets of asanas without support. The great advantage of Iyengar yoga is that the muscular effort can be controlled and adjusted to the capacity of the practitioner.
The most specific postures of Iyengar yoga are the standing ones, which would explain the increased muscular condition at the level of the legs: the blood flow is definitely improved, not to mention that the balance and the movement coordination are also increased. The very practical part of Iyengar yoga is that it addresses many types of ailments, disorders and health problems, and the trained teachers can help the practitioner improve the health state by means of specific asanas. Hypertension, insomnia, depression, deficiencies of the immune system as well as various osteo-articular problems.
It is advisable for anyone interested in Iyengar yoga to turn to centers where yoga practices are included in special programs; an organized environment for the practice of the asanas is the only one recommended. Such a recommendation comes from the fact that if exercised on your own, some postures may be too difficult and potentially harmful for tissues and muscles. After all, a complete training in the secrets of Iyengar yoga takes quite a number of years before the practitioner may reach full mastery of the techniques.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Meditation Articles
Reflect and Rejuvenate with Meditation
By: Danette Hibberd | 21/08/2008
We place so much importance on activity, achievements and results and therefore it is not surprising that more of us are attempting to find or indeed, require a time for silence. A time to find inner peace, and experience a moment of reflection. A time to relax, reflect and rejuvenate.
Vipassana Meditation – Chiselling the Walls of Illusion
By: Vijay kumar Raisinghani | 20/08/2008
Around 2500 years ago, the Great Enlightened Master - Gautama Buddha gave the world the meditation technique called Vipassana. It is a Pali word and means “Pure Watchfulness”. It implies watching and observing the reality around us as it is, without any bias whatsoever.
Talk to God Directly
By: Dalip Singh Wasan | 16/08/2008
We should talk to God directly and we should not engage others to help us to meet God nor we should go to religious place and get help from the father or pujari. No body shall help us. God is our father and he is ready to talk to us and listen to our hardships.
Read Religious Books
By: Dalip Singh Wasan | 16/08/2008
When we read religious books, we feel that we have come near to God and God is like father. When father is near, we feel safe and we are happy and beyond tension. therefore, when no methods works to come out of tension, we should read religious books.
What Type of Meditation Can be Used?
By: Ace Smith | 13/08/2008
There are lots of benefits that meditation could give. It can help you feel relaxed. It decreases the stress you feel. Meditation can also prevent many diseases like heart disease and respiratory failure. It can also help you improve the flow of the air to the lungs.
Meditation in the Practice of Christianity
By: Ace Smith | 13/08/2008
Meditation has always been thought of as a spiritual state, not just another religious practice, something that might take you to another dimension, and others. Interpretations of this practice vary among its believers.
Sacred Spaces Meditation : Unlocking the Floodgates of Awareness
By: Vijay kumar Raisinghani | 13/08/2008
The Sacred Spaces Meditation is an outstanding Meditation technique devised by the Living Enlightened Mystic- Shri Anandmurti Gurumaa. It has the potential to unlock the floodgates of Heightened Awareness in the Meditator right from the very first session.
Meditation and Its Psychological Benefits
By: Ace Smith | 13/08/2008
Most of us, if not all, are craving to have good health and a better life. We want a life full of energy and excitement. We want a life that is free from worries and depression. Everyone strives for longevity and a sound mind. Meditation can help us achieve those. There are lots of psychological benefits that meditation can bring. These gifts from meditation can be readily achieved, as long as the mind is receptive to them.
More from Muna wa Wanjiru
How Ceramic White Tiles Have Stood the Test of Time
By: Muna wa Wanjiru | 14/08/2008 | Interior Design
Ceramic white tiles were simply an affair of the very rich during the Victorian era. It is during the 19th century that the ceramic white tiles were used to decorate a number of rooms for the affluent.
Ceramic Tile Vs Porcelain
By: Muna wa Wanjiru | 14/08/2008 | Interior Design
Porcelain tiles are not very different from ceramic tiles. In fact, porcelain tiles are ceramic tiles which are modified in structure. It is therefore interesting to have the comparison of ceramic tile vs porcelain.
Ceramic Floor Tiles
By: Muna wa Wanjiru | 13/08/2008 | Interior Design
Ceramic floor tiles are denser and thicker than wall tiles. This makes them more durable. They also have the ability to impact high strengths, shocks, whether and weight.
How Hair Removal for Men is Done
By: Muna wa Wanjiru | 21/07/2008 | Women's Issues
Hair removal is no longer a women's affair and the new crop of men have discovered that hair removal will take them far by enhancing their confidence.
Why Back Hair Removal is Necessary
By: Muna wa Wanjiru | 21/07/2008 | Women's Issues
Back hair removal is necessary for several reasons and the first one is that it reduces body odor. Many people go through life wondering about the persistent smell that never goes away especially when you sweat.
How to Treat Yeast Infection
By: Muna wa Wanjiru | 10/07/2008 | Women's Health
If you have just realized that you might have an infection by yeast, you will want to know how to treat yeast infection. There are very many treatments available and you can be sure that you are going to be healed in a very short time.
Why Water Purifiers are Essential for the Survival of Humankind
By: Muna wa Wanjiru | 28/06/2008 | Environment
Water purifiers are the substances used for the removal of contaminating agents from any raw water source; the whole purpose of the entire purification process involves the treatment for a specific task. On a regular basis, before being sent to the tap or simply bottled, all water has to undergo such a transformation procedure.
Why the Use of a Water Purifier is Necessary
By: Muna wa Wanjiru | 28/06/2008 | Environment
People often make the mistake of taking a water purifier for a water filter, though the two items have certain things in common, they are nevertheless two distinct items.
Spirituality 
| Posted: 29-05-2008 | Comments: 
